Living a Life of Purpose: For Christ, Not Self

In today's gathering, I sought to address the profound question of what constitutes a wasted versus a non-wasted life, particularly in the context of our work and daily endeavors. The world often tells us to stand on our own two feet, to be strong and self-reliant. However, this is not the message of the Bible. Jesus teaches us that a life lived for self-gain, even if it means gaining the whole world, is ultimately wasted. Instead, a life that is not wasted is one that is lived for Christ, where we deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.

Paul, writing from prison, exemplifies this non-wasted life. Despite his circumstances, he rejoices because his sufferings serve to advance the gospel. For Paul, to live is Christ and to die is gain. This perspective shifts our focus from worldly achievements to valuing Christ above all else. Our lives should reflect this value, whether in life or in death, by making much of Christ.

In our work, we are called to be salt and light, to make much of Christ from eight to five. This involves aligning our work with God's eternal purpose, which is to praise the glory of His grace. Our work is not just a means to an end but a platform to display God's grace and glory. We are to engage in our work with creativity and industry, not merely for profit but to serve others and adorn the gospel.

Moreover, our work should confirm and enhance the message of the gospel. It should be a testament to the trustworthiness and integrity that reflect Christ's character. By earning a living, we avoid dependency on others, but our focus should remain on the helpfulness of our work rather than financial gain. Ultimately, our earnings should be used to bless others, reflecting the biblical principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Key Takeaways

• 1. A wasted life is one lived for self-gain, even if it means gaining the whole world. A non-wasted life is lived for Christ, where we deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This is the path to true fulfillment and eternal gain. [04:02]
• 2. Paul’s life in prison exemplifies a non-wasted life. Despite his circumstances, he rejoices because his sufferings advance the gospel. For Paul, to live is Christ and to die is gain, shifting our focus from worldly achievements to valuing Christ above all else. [06:46]
• 3. Our work should align with God's eternal purpose, which is to praise the glory of His grace. This involves engaging in our work with creativity and industry, not merely for profit but to serve others and adorn the gospel. [10:16]
• 4. Our work should confirm and enhance the message of the gospel. It should reflect trustworthiness and integrity, characteristics that mirror Christ's character, making our work a testament to the gospel we proclaim. [34:21]
• 5. Earning a living is important, but our focus should remain on the helpfulness of our work rather than financial gain. Our earnings should be used to bless others, reflecting the biblical principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive. [40:32]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:10] - Opening Prayer
• [00:55] - Morning Run and Encounter
• [02:28] - The World's Message vs. Biblical Message
• [03:21] - Defining a Wasted Life
• [05:16] - Paul's Perspective from Prison
• [06:46] - To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain
• [09:36] - Making Much of Christ in Work
• [11:03] - The Eternal Purpose of Grace
• [14:37] - The Climax of Grace in History
• [16:16] - The Value of Secular Work
• [20:22] - Balancing Radical Faith and Work
• [23:11] - Remaining with God in Your Calling
• [24:39] - Making Much of Christ in Daily Work
• [29:30] - Creativity and Industry in Work
• [34:21] - Work as a Testament to the Gospel
• [40:32] - Using Earnings to Bless Others
• [42:11] - Closing Prayer

1. Mark 8:34-36 - "Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?'"
2. Philippians 1:12-21 - "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel... For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
3. Ephesians 1:4-6 - "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."

1. According to the sermon, how does the world’s message of self-reliance contrast with the biblical message of living for Christ? [02:42]
2. What does Paul’s imprisonment reveal about his perspective on a non-wasted life? [05:16]
3. How does the sermon describe the purpose of our work in relation to God’s eternal purpose? [10:16]
4. What role does trustworthiness and integrity play in making our work a testament to the gospel? [34:21]

1. How does the concept of denying oneself and taking up the cross challenge the idea of self-gain as a measure of success? [03:21]
2. In what ways does Paul’s statement "to live is Christ and to die is gain" redefine the value of life and death for a believer? [06:46]
3. How can aligning our work with God’s eternal purpose change our approach to daily tasks and responsibilities? [10:16]
4. What does it mean for our work to confirm and enhance the message of the gospel, and how can this be practically achieved? [34:21]

1. Reflect on your current work or daily activities. How can you intentionally make much of Christ in these areas? [09:36]
2. Consider a situation where you might be tempted to prioritize financial gain over serving others. How can you shift your focus to align with the biblical principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive? [40:32]
3. Identify a specific way you can demonstrate trustworthiness and integrity in your work this week. How might this reflect Christ’s character to those around you? [34:21]
4. Think about a recent decision you made. Did it reflect a life lived for self-gain or for Christ? How might you approach similar decisions differently in the future? [04:02]
5. How can you use your earnings or resources to bless others in your community or church? What steps can you take this week to put this into action? [40:32]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt your work was not aligned with God’s purpose. What changes can you make to ensure your work serves to praise the glory of His grace? [10:16]
7. How can you cultivate a mindset of gratitude and reliance on God throughout your workday? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of His presence and grace? [25:11]